Description
These vibrant Shrimp Tacos are a burst of tropical flavor in every bite! Tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp are nestled in soft corn tortillas, then topped with a refreshing, sweet-and-tangy mango salsa. The salsa combines ripe mango, red onion, cilantro, lime, and a hint of chili for the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and heat. Finished with a drizzle of creamy sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime, these tacos are light, fresh, and packed with bold flavors—ideal for a fun, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and bright.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The shrimp are the star of the dish—tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the shrimp and adding a light, healthy fat.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and a touch of smokiness to the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a mild smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: A fragrant spice that adds depth and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a little heat, which you can adjust based on your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and balancing the spices.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor and a savory depth to the shrimp.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brightens up the shrimp with acidity and complements the tropical flavors in the salsa.
For the Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced: The star of the salsa! Sweet, juicy mangoes bring a tropical flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced: Adds crunch and a mild, sweet bite.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced: Provides a pop of color and a crisp, sweet flavor.
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced: Adds a touch of heat to balance the sweetness of the mango.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: For a burst of herbal freshness that brightens up the salsa.
- Juice of 1 lime: The citrus juices bring acidity to the salsa, balancing the sweetness of the mango.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, helping to bring all the flavors together.
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour tortillas: Soft, warm tortillas are perfect for wrapping around the shrimp and salsa.
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to the tacos.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, avocado slices, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce for extra richness.
Instructions
STEP 1: PREPARE THE MANGO SALSA
Start by making the mango salsa, so the flavors can meld while you prepare the shrimp. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add the juice of 1 lime and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, and taste for seasoning. If you prefer more heat, you can add a little more jalapeño, or if you want more acidity, add a touch more lime juice. Set the salsa aside to allow the flavors to marinate while you cook the shrimp.
STEP 2: SEASON THE SHRIMP
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the spice mixture until they’re evenly coated. You can let them marinate for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and cook them right away.
STEP 3: COOK THE SHRIMP
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and drizzle with the juice of 1 lime for extra brightness. Set aside.
STEP 4: WARM THE TORTILLAS
While the shrimp are cooking, warm the flour tortillas. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds on each side or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor.
STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE TACOS
To assemble the tacos, place a warm tortilla on each plate. Start by layering on a little shredded lettuce for crunch. Then, add a few shrimp to each taco. Spoon on a generous amount of mango salsa over the shrimp, and top with additional cilantro if desired. For an extra creamy element, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 28g